Keys to Ohio State's season

Wednesday

Aug 29, 2012 at 12:01 AMAug 29, 2012 at 8:42 AM

A disastrous 2011 on and off the field is history. With Urban Meyer now at the helm, Ohio State is anticipating a bold fresh start. Meyer inherits a talented team, but one that has shown more potential than production. Quarterback Braxton Miller figures to take a big step forward as a sophomore, and the experienced defense should be improved. But with no postseason to play for, can the team summon the fortitude to excel when adversity hits?

A disastrous 2011 on and off the field is history. With Urban Meyer now at the helm, Ohio State is anticipating a bold fresh start. Meyer inherits a talented team, but one that has shown more potential than production. Quarterback Braxton Miller figures to take a big step forward as a sophomore, and the experienced defense should be improved. But with no postseason to play for, can the team summon the fortitude to excel when adversity hits?

Key offensive player

Rabinowitz: This falls into the no-duh category, but Miller must emerge as a competent passer and more vocal leader in his sophomore season. His running ability is undeniable, but he has to do more than scramble.

May: I'll go with Jordan Hall, once he returns from his foot injury. The offensive coaches can't all be wrong about what the versatile senior brings as a hybrid running back/receiver.

Key defensive player

May: I'm not going to say the obvious - lineman Nathan Williams - because his full-speed return from knee surgery would be more like a bonus. Sophomore Curtis Grant at middle linebacker is the man who must elevate his play. He has the pedigree; he just needs experience.

Rabinowitz: Johnathan Hankins has the ability to be a truly disruptive force in the middle of the line. He can be a deterrent to teams trying to run between the tackles, and OSU's team speed will make running on the perimeter difficult.

Key early game

Rabinowitz: Central Florida, in a meeting of teams banned from the postseason because of NCAA sanctions. The Knights, who return 16 starters, ranked ninth nationally on defense last year.

May: California brings Pac-12 talent. But the opener against Miami University is when 100,000 fans will show up to see Meyer's new offense. He doesn't want to disappoint anyone.

New to view

May: Freshman defensive end Noah Spence could be pressed into duty sooner than expected, depending on Williams' status. The athletic Spence has drawn praise from older teammates as well as Meyer.

Rabinowitz: I'll stay on the defensive line with Adolphus Washington. He has been moved inside and could be formidable once he masters playing in the thicket.

Best offseason move

Rabinowitz: Technically, Meyer's hiring happened last season, so he's ineligible. Though out of left field, I'll go with the addition of nutritionist Sarah Wick. The Buckeyes' bodies are noticeably leaner, and they say they are stronger. It's hard to believe that no one was overseeing their nutrition previously.

May: The commitment to the up-tempo approach on offense by Meyer and offensive coordinator Tom Herman. The players seem to like the faster play, and they understand what the no-huddle, giddy-up tack could mean as a game ensues.

Under pressure

May: Luke Fickell, coach last year, returns to the defensive coordinator role that he shared with Jim Heacock before 2011. Fickell will lead a talented staff and, apparently, a talent-rich roster. Fans expect an aggressive unit, not the one that faded last season.

Rabinowitz: Herman is bright and charismatic and likely a future head coach. Right now, though, he has the challenge of implementing the spread with players accustomed to another system and without the benefit of having coached under the demanding Meyer.

Stat that must change

Rabinowitz: If the Buckeyes again finish 115th nationally in passing, people will be jumping into the Olentangy River.

May: OSU was 60th in the nation last year in stopping opponents on third down. That, along with opponents' completion percentage of 60.8, need to flip.

It's a notable year if . . .

May: Ohio State finishes with consecutive wins against Big Ten Leaders favorite Wisconsin and Legends favorite Michigan. That would make the no-bowl reality palatable - and whet appetites for 2013.

Rabinowitz: I agree completely. Those two games will put the stamp on the season. Everything else is prelude.

Bottom line

Rabinowitz: Ohio State would never acknowledge any approach other than "we must have success now," but this is a foundation year. The Buckeyes have a chance to become familiar with Meyer's system and style without the pressure (or incentive) of knowing a championship is at stake. A soft nonconference schedule eases OSU into it, and, if the Buckeyes play well in big games, they can wipe away any lingering ill feeling from last year and set themselves up for national championship contention next year.

May: Meyer's consistent message in the past nine months has stressed winning - in the classroom, at the training table, in the weight room, on the practice field. So Meyer isn't looking for a bridge to 2013 - not yet, anyway.